On Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held a joint press briefing with Leftinent Governer Anil Baijal, where he announced an unprecedented lockdown for the nation’s capital. Kejriwal said, “As of now we have 27 cases of infected people in Delhi, out of which 21 had travelled abroad and 6 were infected through transmission. If we delay the lockdown by even a few days, we could see as many as 1000 to 1500 people getting infected.”
What will be shut down or suspended?
The lockdown began at 6 AM on Monday, March 23, and will be in effect till midnight of March 31, 2020. During this lock down all public transportation including private buses will be suspended, though DTC buses will run at 25 per cent capacity for ferrying people facing emergencies. All shops, commercial establishments, markets and bazaars will remain shut. Borders with neighbouring states will be sealed and only essential commodities such as milk, vegetables etc. coming from these states will be allowed to enter the capital. Interstate buses, trains and metro rail services have been suspended. All domestic and international flights to Delhi have been suspended. All construction activity has been suspended. All religious places of worship of all religions have been shut.
What will continue to function?
Law enforcement, fire department, hospitals, prison department, ration shops, medical stores, petrol pumps, electricity department, water supply department, municipal services including waste management are exempt from the lockdown. Work related to Budget Session of Delhi Assembly will continue. Print and electronic media are to continue operations. Banks are to have cashiers and tellers for money withdrawal. Telecom, internet and postal services will continue. E-commerce for food and medicines allowed to continue. Only take away and home delivery will be allowed from restaurants.
Allaying fears of people who venture out during this time, Kejriwal said, “If a person ventures out and he says he is doing so to go buy milk or go to the hospital, his explanation will be accepted. No one will ask him for a certificate. We trust you.”
Further allaying fears of private sector employees, Kejriwal said, “Private offices will remain shut, but employees, both permanent and contract workers, are to be considered on duty and should be paid.”
Kejriwal also came down heavily on people who are hoarding and engaging in black marketing of sanitisers and masks. “We have raided 327 places and have booked 437 people in connection with this so far. We will deal with them strictly as per provisions of the law.”
Meanwhile in Mumbai
A lockdown had already been announced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray a few days ago and it will continue till midnight of March 31, 2020. Additionally, prohibitory orders under section 144 have been issued. Presence or movement of people in groups of five or more in public or private places including religious places and also any vehicles carrying such persons is prohibited. Just like in Delhi, emergency services as well as shops and establishments offering essential services like grocery shops, hospitals and pharmacies, banks, telephone and internet service providers, as well as those providing home delivery of food, groceries and essential services, remain exempt from these prohibitory orders. Media and government services will remain operational. The entire order may be read here:
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